 The Basilica Maxentius The Basilica of Maxentius (also known as the Basilica Nova), which stands in the Forum Romanum, was begun by Maxentius and completed (with major modifications) by Constantine, following his defeat of the former at the famous Battle of the Milvian Bridge (October 28th, 312). The enormous building, the largest ever built in the Forum, was 100 metres long and 65 metres wide. However, all that survives of it are three vast barrel-vaulted niches, each 20.5 metres wide, 17.5 metres deep and 24.5 metres high, which formed the north side of the basilica. The vaults are decorated with weight-saving octagonal coffers. The three barrel-vaulted niches would have been repeated on the south side. The main body of the basilica rose to a height of 35 metres and its three groin-vaults had a span of almost 20 metres! The interior walls of the basilica were faced with marble and stucco. The eight colossal Corinthian columns, each 14.5 metres high, which stood in the central section, have disappeared, apart from one, which was moved by Pope Paul V (r. 1605-21) to Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, where it still stands. A colossal acrolithic statue of the Emperor Constantine (r. 306-337) graced the west apse. Remains of the statue were unearthed at the end of the 15th century and are on display in the courtyard of Palazzo dei Conservatori.  Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine Comments are closed.
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My name is David Lown and I am an art historian from Cambridge, England. Since 2001 I have lived in Italy, where I run private and
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March 2021
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